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A Message from the Office of the Ombudsman

During the past months our collective communities have been confronted with acts of senseless violence. In such times we may feel uncertain about our own place and sense of belonging; we may feel stress or have feelings of anxiety, anger, or sadness that we bring with us into our work place.

The Office of the Ombudsman is one resource among many at NIH available to support our community through painful, challenging times. We are available to help if these or other events have affected you or contributed to a work-related concern that you would like to talk about in a confidential setting. On our website is a list of other NIH offices resources available to support you in other ways.

In the meantime, these are some time-tested strategies that may help:

• Find a way to recognize and understand your emotions and experiences and their effects on you: connect with friends and supportive family; take walks and experience nature; meditate.

• Make an effort to disconnect for a period of time from upsetting messages and language, including those on social media.

• Focus on steps for positive action: it is often helpful to think of what you and others can do to have a positive impact upon your own well-being and the well-being of your family or community. We are here to talk through what might be helpful and important to you.